Quotessence
Home / Authors / Tony Benn
Tony Benn

Tony Benn Quotes

Former Member of the European Parliament

Filter quotes by topic

AllPoliticsPeopleThinkingIfsDemocracyWorldPoliticalWarLabourPartyDemocraticVoteYearsBelieveBritainBritishGivingGovernmentHouseImportant

Famous Tony Benn Quotes

“We used to have a War Office, but now we have a Ministry of Defence, nuclear bombs are now described as deterrents, innocent civilians killed in war are now described as collateral damage and military incompetence leading to US bombers killing British soldiers is cosily described as friendly fire. Those who are in favour of peace are described as mavericks and troublemakers, whereas the real militants are those who want the war.”

WantWarRealUsedPeaceFireMilitaryOfficeKillingSoldierBritishNuclearInnocentDamageBombsFriendlyMinistryFavourCiviliansDefenceIncompetenceBombersNuclear BombDeterrentTroublemakerMaverickCollateralCollateral DamageBritish Soldiers
Author:Tony Benn
Create image

“Change from below, the formulation of demands from the populace to end unacceptable injustice, supported by direct action, has played a far larger part in shaping British democracy than most constitutional lawyers, political commentators, historians or statesmen have ever cared to admit. Direct action in a democratic society is fundamentally an educational exercise.”

EndsActionPoliticalDemocracyExerciseDemandDirectDemocraticInjusticeEducationalBritishLawyerHistorianStatesmenCommentatorsDemocratic SocietyDirect Action
Author:Tony Benn
Create image

“Parliamentary democracy is, in truth, little more than a means of securing a periodical change in the management team, which is then allowed to preside over a system that remains in essence intact. If the British people were ever to ask themselves what power they truly enjoyed under our political system they would be amazed to discover how little it is”

PeopleIfsMeanLittlesWould BePoliticalAsksDemocracyTeamEssenceManagementRemainsBritishEnjoyedAmazedPolitical SystemsParliamentaryParliamentary Democracy
Author:Tony Benn
Create image